THE SHACK: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity By Wm Paul Young, Wayne Jacobsen, Brad Cummings

Publisher:  Windblown Media
Release Date:  2007
Pages:  252

Reviewed by WC

About the Book:  Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation, and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his "Great Sadness," Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend.

Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever.

In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant The Shackwrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?" The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book!

WC's Review:  To receive the full attention of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in a beautifully appointed log cabin situated in a perfect paradise adorned with exquisite flora and fauna for two days is beyond words, even better than treading eternally on pathways constantly lined with gold. 

Mack knows he has to return to the scene of his daughter's murder in a rundown blood-stained shack, where he is transformed and led to behold purity. Hosted by the Trinity in an effort to assuage the hurt the abduction of his Missy has caused, Mack is awe struck by Papa, Jesus, and Saraya, all who answer his heart felt questions with love.

Living with the "great sadness," Mack struggles to ease his heart, for he blames himself for his daughter's untimely death, as does Missy's older sister Kate.

All of us concerned about our relationship with God, his son Jesus, and the mysterious Holy Ghost will find this book in the least entertaining, more so revealing, and at the utmost life changing.  5 Stars

Wm Paul Young - William Paul Young was the eldest of four, born May 11, 1955, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, but the majority of his first decade was lived with his missionary parents in the highlands of Netherlands New Guinea (West Papua), among the Dani, a technologically stone age tribal people. These became his family and as the first white child and outsider who ever spoke their language, he was granted unusual access into their culture and community. By the time he was six, he was flown away to a boarding school.

THE DANCING MASTER By Julie Klassen

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction - Regency Era
Publisher:  Bethany House Publishers
Release Date:  January 7, 2014
Pages:  424

About the Book:  Leaving London, dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire--but is stunned to discover that dancing is prohibited! He finds an unlikely ally in Miss Julia Midwinter, but her questions about his past are becoming harder to evade. Together, can they bring new life to this quiet village--and heal long-kept-secret scars?

Wanda's Thoughts:  I eagerly await for all of Julie Klassen's new books - she never disappoints, but I must say this was not one of my favorites. There is an entourage of characters, making the plot lengthy, with stretches where not much is happening and unfortunately I lost interest in spots. 

That being said - there is much to like about this book. There is a richness in the writing with so much historical detail, which I absolutely soaked up. The author certainly has a writing flair for the Regency era, setting an ambience that is somewhat similar to Jane Austen. A bit of romance is included, that is decent and modest, and there are, just ever so slight, religious overtones. It is a story of family secrets, romance, uncertainties, scandal, forgiveness and grace. 

Nineteen year old Julia Midwinter was headstrong, manipulative, and very outspoken. She would one day be heiress to Buckleigh Manor. Julia's father never wanted a young girl in his domain and her mother seemed to find her charitable organizations more important than Julia. Julia is filled with restlessness and anger and has no interest in becoming the matriarch of Buckleigh Manor. Alex Vancourt was forbidden, but that only made him more interesting to Julia. 

Alec Vancourt is a dancing and fencing master and carrying secrets from the past. He was well spoken and educated from a young age by his grandfather. Alec was forewarned to have little to do, as possible, with Julia. He was told that Julia was not his social equal and Julia was destined for greater things. And the story unfolds ---

The well developed characters are cleverly crafted with genuine personalities. Julia was hard to like, but I found her to be quite interesting with her feistiness and desire for adventure. There were a few hidden secrets and surprises revealed throughout, and secondary characters that certainly added interest. The storyline had a satisfying, but rather predictable and lukewarm conclusion. The book still had many redeeming qualities and I found it to be a light and enjoyable read. You can't go wrong with a Julie Klassen book. 4 stars.

Author - 

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She has been an advertising manager, fiction editor, and now works as a full-time novelist. Her 3rd book, The Silent Governess, won the Christy Award for Historical Romance, and was also a finalist in the Minnesota Book Awards, ForeWord ReviewsBook of the Year Awards, and the RITA Awards. Her latest books, The Maid of Fairbourne Halland The Girl in the Gatehouse, have also won Christy Awards. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

HOME BY MORNING By Alexis Harrington

Publisher:  Montlake Romance
Release Date:  December 2011
Pages:  329
Genre:  Historical Romance

About the Book:  October 1918: En route from New York to Seattle, Jessica Layton stops for a visit in her hometown of Powell Springs, Oregon, and comes face-to-face with Cole Braddock, her first and only love. Now, years later, Jessica is a highly accomplished clinical physician preparing for an exciting new job in Washington, and Cole is a successful horse breeder who is courting her sister Amy. Both are convinced they have moved beyond their youthful passion and the heartbreak it produced; nonetheless, they are grateful that Jessicas brief visit will leave little opportunity to rehash old wounds. But before Dr. Layton can leave town, Powell Springs is hit hard by the influenza epidemic ravaging the country. With no other doctors available, Jessica must remain in Oregon and tend to her friends and former neighbors. Her work brings her in constant contact with Cole, and with each passing day he finds it harder to convince himself that sweet-tempered Amy can fill his heart as Jessica once did. Set against the backdrop of World War I and the epidemic of 1918, Home by Morning is a compelling story of betrayal, heartbreak, and redemption.

Wanda's Thoughts:  1918 - Powell Springs, Oregon - Dr Jessica Layton had sworn never to return to Powell Springs, but she's traveling from New York to Seattle and stops off at her hometown for just a brief visit. Jessica was the daughter of the deceased physician of Powell Springs, and had left the small town years ago to study medicine in New York. She'd left behind the love of her life, Cole Braddock, the town's blacksmith, who is now involved with Amy, Jessica's sister. She would be here only for a few days and then on to Seattle where she had a research position waiting. Jessica knew she'd have to see Cole, but thought she'd be more prepared. 

Amy was very close to becoming Cole's fiancee. She seemed to be a wonderful woman - pretty, sweet tempered, charming, and she didn't try Cole's patience, as Jess had. Amy turns out to be a rather complex character. 

World War 1 was going on and most of the doctors and nurses had gone overseas. The town is waiting for Dr Pearson to arrive, but there is an influenza outbreak and they need a doctor now. The council asked Jessica to stay until Dr Pearson arrived. Jessica had no interest in practicing clinical medicine anymore, but agreed to stay on for a short time, delaying her trip to Seattle. And the story unfolds ---

Riley Braddock, an older brother of Cole's, had enlisted and was fighting in France. He'd left his wife, Susannah, behind to run the farm and hadn't seen her for 16 months. 

Dr Pearson appeared to be a presentable young graduate, but had a big ego and many prejudices. He was very condescending and insulting to Jessica. 

Other secondary characters - Emmaline, whose husband had run off and left her with two kids. She takes up prostitution to earn a living. Adam Jacobsen, the minister, who is rather hard to like, adds a few surprises in the storyline. 

The war scenes, taking place on the battlefields of France, were well done, but it was such a small part of the storyline - I was hoping for more. The main characters were interesting, but not exciting. There were many different layers built into the storyline - perhaps too many, with a predictable ending.  Home By Morning was a fast and easy read, and had a few surprises, but just lukewarm, and not one I would enthusiastically recommend. 3 stars.

The Author - Alexis Harrington
I've been a self-employed working novelist for the past twenty years. Of all the books I've written I've had just one foreign sale, and that was THE IRISH BRIDE, which was translated into Norwegian, where I understand it was a big hit.

I also make jewelry and I'm a fine needlework artist, specializing in embroidery, thread crochet, and sewing. I love to cook, read, entertain friends, decorate, and pursue various crafts.

I live in the Pacific Northwest near the Columbia River, still within 10 miles of my old high school. I have a Great Pyrenees dog, one cat, a finch, and three chickens who all seem to want to be in my small office while I'm trying to work (except the chickens, although they'd be thrilled to get into the house if I let them). Getting up to step around them is like maneuvering an obstacle course, but they are my children and so dear to me. My hours are kind of goofy--I'm just not a morning person and tend to be up late when the rest of the world is sleeping--and QUIET. No phones, faxes, distractions. Just the kids and me, candles burning, and the elevator music coming out of my CD player.

Before I made the leap to full-time writer, I spent about 12 years working for consulting civil engineers. Riprap, anyone? How about a nice detention pond?
I     

The Weight of Blood: A Novel by Laura McHugh

Publisher:  Spiegel & Grau
Expected Release Date:  March 11, 2014
Pages:  320

Book Description:  For fans of Gillian Flynn and Daniel Woodrell, a dark, gripping debut novel of literary suspense about two mysterious disappearances, a generation apart, and the meaning of family-the sacrifices we make, the secrets we keep, and the lengths we will go to protect the ones we love.

The Dane family's roots tangle deep in the Ozark Mountain town of Henbane, but that doesn't keep sixteen-year-old Lucy Dane from being treated like an outsider. Folks still whisper about her mother, a bewitching young stranger who inspired local myths when she vanished years ago. When one of Lucy's few friends, slow-minded Cheri, is found murdered, Lucy feels haunted by the two lost girls-the mother she never knew and the friend she couldn't protect. Everything changes when Lucy stumbles across Cheri's necklace in an abandoned trailer and finds herself drawn into a search for answers. What Lucy discovers makes it impossible to ignore the suspicion cast on her own kin. More alarming, she suspects Cheri's death could be linked to her mother's disappearance, and the connection between the two puts Lucy at risk of losing everything. In a place where the bonds of blood weigh heavy, Lucy must decide where her allegiances lie.

Wanda's Thoughts:  A story told in alternating chapters, The Weight of Blood takes place in Henbane, a small town in the Ozarks. The usage of the vernacular makes the story realistic and there are various scenes in the book that I found to be deeply moving. The author manages to weave many elements into the storyline that is filled with deception, lies, and dark family secrets. 

And the story unfolds with a mystery, human trafficking, loss, betrayal, and so much more. Unfortunately, this was not my genre - it took a lot of willpower for me to keep reading. The storyline takes a lot of concentration with the multi-layered storyline. It felt disjointed, with so many characters, that at times I was confused. I was rather disappointed with the weak ending - not a satisfying conclusion, with a few loose ends still dangling. Although the book has some good qualities, it just wasn't for me, and not one I'd enthusiastically recommend. 3 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Author -  Facebook author page: Laura McHugh

Laura McHugh's debut novel, THE WEIGHT OF BLOOD, will be published March 11th, 2014. 

McHugh lives in Missouri with her husband, children, and large furry dog. She is currently at work on her second novel.

VALLEY FORGE by Newt Gingrich and William R Forstchen

Publisher:  Thomas Dunne Books
Release Date:  November 2010
Pages:  464
REVIEWED BY WC

About the Book:  In To Try Men's Souls, New York Times bestselling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen cast a new light on the year 1776 and the man who would become the father of our nation, George Washington.Valley Forge picks up the narrative a year after Washington’s triumphant surprise attack on Trenton, and much has changed since then.

It’s the winter of 1777, and Washington’s battered, demoralized army retreats from Philadelphia. Arriving at Valley Forge, they discover that their repeated requests for a stockpile of food, winter clothing, and building tools have been ignored by Congress. With no other options available, the men settle down for a season of agony. For weeks the dwindling army freezes under tents in the bitter cold. Food runs out. Disease festers. The men are on the point of collapse, while in Philadelphia the British, joined by Allen van Dorn, the Loyalist brother of the dead patriot, Jonathan van Dorn, live in luxury.

In spite of the suffering and deceit, Washington endures all, joined at last by a volunteer from Germany, Baron Friederich von Steuben. With precious few supplies and even less time, von Steuben begins the hard task of recasting the army as a professional fighting force capable of facing the British head-on—something it has never accomplished before—and in the process he changing the course of history.   

Valley Forge is a compelling, meticulously researched tour-de-force novel about endurance, survival, transformation, and rebirth. It chronicles the unique crucible of time and place where Washington and his Continental Army, against all odds, were forged into a fighting force that would win a revolution and found the United States of America.

WC's Review:  Newt Gingrich and William R Forstchen have outdone themselves with this remarkable tale of the trials and tribulations of the greatest man in American history. For without the dogged perseverance of this relentless warrior during the 1777-78 winter at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, we Americans would be extending our pinkies while drinking a spot of tea.

Hassled by a powerless and broke congress, penniless colonies, betrayal from subordinate generals, and many Tories in New York and Philadelphia, Washington battles disfavor, the weather, untrained soldiers, and desertion, for the cause of liberty from the tyranny of King George of Great Britain. Such a leader and genuine American does not today exist.

Authors Gingrich and Forstchen delve into the characters and minds of LaFayette, Nathanael Greene, and Mad Anthony Wayne, among other lesser known patriots of the revolution, both men and women. Young Peter Wellesley is an inspiration, as is Daniel Morgan with his sharpshooters.

Another hero emerges in March of 1778 when Baron von Steuben from Germany shows up to offer his expertise in training and reshaping the survivors of Valley Forge into a viable fighting force. His efforts are soon rewarded at the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey on June 20 where the revamped colonial army tangles with British forces under the leadership of Sir William Clinton.

Intriguing are the actions and thoughts of British loyalist Allen van Dorn and his mentor, the flamboyant British officer John Andre, aided, no less, by the elegance and flirtatious behavior of two local ladies.

Even with only a smattering of knowledge about the valiant efforts of Washington and von Steuben, this is a must read if the reader desires to obtain an understanding of America's beginning.

About the Author:  Newton Leroy "Newt" Gingrich (born Newton Leroy McPherson) is an American politician who served as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999. In 1995, Time magazine selected him as the Person of the Year for his role in leading the Republican Revolution in the House, ending 40 years of the Democratic Party being in the majority. During his tenure as Speaker, he represented the public face of the Republican opposition to Bill Clinton.

A college history professor, political leader, and author, Gingrich twice ran unsuccessfully for the House before winning a seat in the election of November 1978. He was re-elected ten times, and his activism as a member of the House's Republican minority eventually enabled him to succeed Dick Cheney as House Minority Whip in 1989. As a co-author of the 1994 Contract with America, Gingrich was in the forefront of the Republican Party's dramatic success in that year's Congressional elections and subsequently was elected Speaker of the House. Gingrich's leadership in Congress was marked by opposition to many of the policies of the Clinton Administration. Shortly after the 1998 elections, when Republicans lost five seats in the House, Gingrich announced his resignation from his House seat and as Speaker.

Since resigning his seat, Gingrich has maintained a career as a political analyst and consultant. He continues to write works related to government and other subjects, such as historical fiction. Recently, he founded the conservative 527 group American Solutions for Winning the Future.

THE GARDEN PLOT by Marty Wingate

Publisher:  Alibi sold by Random House
Expected Release Date:  May 6, 2014

Book Description:  In an entirely appealing mystery debut, Marty Wingate introduces readers to a curious Texas ex-pat whose English gardening expertise on occasion leads her to unearth murderous goings-on.
 
Pru Parke always dreamed of living in England. And after the Dallas native follows an impulse and moves to London, she can’t imagine ever leaving—though she has yet to find a plum position as a head gardener. Now, as the sublet on her flat nears its end, the threat of forced departure looms. Determined to stay in her beloved adopted country, Pru takes small, private gardening jobs throughout the city. 
 
On one such gig in Chelsea, she makes an extraordinary find. Digging in the soil of a potting shed, Pru uncovers an ancient Roman mosaic. But enthusiasm over her discovery is soon dampened when, two days later, she finds in the same spot a man’s bludgeoned corpse. As the London police swarm her worksite, ever inquisitive Pru can’t quite manage to distance herself from the investigation—much to the dismay of stern Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Pearse. It seems that, much as he tries, even handsome DCI Pearse can’t keep Pru safe from a brutal killer who thinks she’s already dug up too much.

Wanda's Thoughts:  Pru Parke, an American gardener and landscape designer, has given up her former life in Dallas to live in England. Pru had recently lost her mother and had just ended a long-term relationship. Here she was a middle aged American woman in a foreign country, working in a competitive field doing odd jobs as a gardener. She desperately wants a permanent job as a head gardener at a small historic garden. She felt energized, but scared to death. A murder happens and Pru becomes very involved. And the story unfolds ---

I really liked Pru's personality, a fun character who was wonderfully portrayed. However, I wasn't able to connect to most of the other characters, finding the relationships too shallow. I did find the Chief Inspector Pearse to be rather interesting.

The author launches into the story with the prologue which immediately grabbed my attention.  Even though there is a mystery, and Pru is the one who stumbles onto the body, the momentum failed to pick up  until well into the book. The storyline fell flat and I lost interest. 

The Garden Plot was a fast and easy read and had some interesting twists along the way, with a bit of romance, and splashes of humor spread throughout. I did enjoy the gardening aspects of the story, finding them interesting and informative. Unfortunately, I found the book to be just lukewarm and not one I would enthusiastically recommend. 3 stars.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Author - Marty Wingate is a Seattle-based writer and speaker about gardens and travel, sharing her love of plants, gardens, and garden history along with offering tips and advice. Her fourth book will be published in December 2011.
Marty speaks at national events, and writes for a variety of publications including Country Gardens and The American Gardener. She is a weekly guest on KUOW 94.9 FM, Seattle's NPR station, which can be heard live online or on podcast. Marty and her radio colleagues won a 2010 Silver Trowel award from the Garden Writers Association for on-air talent.
Marty has a master's degree in urban horticulture from the University of Washington, and is active in several organizations including the Royal Horticultural Society and the Garden Writers Association. She leads small-group garden tours to European destinations including England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and on North American journeys. Marty doesn't believe that the thin veneer of tourism - successive one-night stops in a series of hotels - can ever replace getting to know the people, history and culture of a region, and so, when arranging her tours, she always includes time for a cup of tea, a pint of beer or a glass of wine.
Website: martywingate.com; on Facebook, search for Passports and Seed Packets.

AWAKENING FAITH - Daily Devotions from the Early Church by James Stuart Bell with Patrick J Kelly

Genre:  Religion and Spirituality
Publisher:  Zondervan
Date of Release:  October 2013
Pages:  400

About the Book:  In simple, updated language, Awakening Faith by James Stuart Bell provides a year of inspiring readings drawn from the earliest teachers and writers of the church---the Church Fathers. In every reflection you will be refreshed by deep wells of wisdom and spiritual insight. 'In the age of Twitter and Facebook, where glib sayings abound, one yearns to read some deeper wisdom about life and faith on a regular basis. Well, here you have it, a compendium of wisdom, devotion, and biblical insight from some of the most thoughtful and faithful Christians from the early eras of the church's history. And in Facebook sized posts. That's a nice change of pace!' ---Mark Galli, editor, Christianity Today

Wanda's Thoughts:  Concise accounts are given by early Christian leaders, who are truly the "Fathers of our faith" - and every page is provided with Scripture references. Even though these devotions were written a few hundred years ago, they are still relevant to our life today. Done in a simplistic, modified language that is easy to understand, the writings offer spiritual nourishment with great depth as well as being powerful and thought provoking.

An absolutely beautiful collection, from the striking cover, to the ribbon marker, to the profound readings - a devotional that has a richness about it - these are truly God inspired writings. What a wonderful way to enhance your scripture readings. Awakening Faith is a great daily devotional and companion to the Bible. 5 stars. I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.

The Author:  James Stuart Bell 

James Stuart Bell, Jr., was director of religious publishing at Doubleday, executive director of Bridge Publishing, and executive editor at Moody Publishing. He has written or consulted for more than a dozen other Christian publishers. At present he is the owner of Whitestone Communications, Inc., a literary development agency. His roles include writer, editor, compiler, packager, publishing consultant, and literary agent. He makes his home in the western suburbs of Chicago and is married with four children.